Reader's corner: Will divorce affect health cover bought in spouse's name?

The insurance company can be requested to endorse the policy for change in 'proposer or payer' name by writing an email or letter

I am 38 years old and was recently divorced. My health insurance plan was bought in my husband’s name. Now that my marital status has changed, what will happen to my health insurance policy?

You may request the insurance company to endorse the policy for change in ‘proposer or payer’ name by writing an email or letter. Also, you may port the policy to any other insurance company with the above change for continuous policy benefits.

I live in a joint family of six members, which includes my working wife, two children aged less than 10, and my retired parents. Will a family floater health plan be a better option for me?

Buying health insurance for your family is indeed a very good decision. Usually a family floater health insurance plan available in the market allows you to include self, spouse and up to a maximum of three dependent children in a single policy. For your parents, you should buy a separate family floater policy. The premium of a family floater plan is lower than the cumulative premium of multiple individual policies, as the sum insured offered in a floater policy is the maximum that can be utilised together by all the members in a given year. If your goal is to buy a health insurance cover for your family by paying a premium that is easy on your pocket while not compromising on the benefits offered, we recommend that you go for a family floater insurance policy.

My father had a cardiac arrest and was hospitalised. The treatment is over now. However, the health insurance company has rejected his claim saying that the hospital’s documentation is not in order. Nobody is helping me file my father’s claim, and the hospital authorities are blaming the insurance company. What should I do?

You may handle this issue with ease if you have the precise requirements from your insurance company. Once you become aware of the gaps in documentation based on the list of documents that your insurer requires, you can arrange for the balance documents to be provided by the hospital and doctors. We can assure you that the documents required for claims processing are those that are required to be prepared by all hospitals during the course of treatment. We also suggest that you keep a copy of all documents submitted and the master list of required documents with you for future reference.

I am 40, and my parents are in their seventies. Both have diabetes. While filing a health insurance application, there was a question on family medical history. Since both my parents have diabetes, will it affect my chances of getting health insurance? Can the insurer add loading to my premium?

Usually, insurance companies don’t apply any loading due to family history of diabetes. However, if you are already diabetic, then there are high chances that there will be loading on your premium.

My father, 65, is a pensioner and in good health. He has a health cover of Rs 1 lakh a year from his employer, which will last until he turns 75. Should I buy health insurance now or wait until the employer discontinues its cover? Are there good plans for seniors?

With medical expenses rising year-on-year due to high medical inflation, a health insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh is woefully inadequate. Thus, you need to go for a higher cover as early as possible. Various insurance companies offer good health insurance plans for persons up to the age of 65 years. After the age of 65, you may find it difficult to get him enrolled in equivalent plans.

The writer is CEO and whole-time director, Liberty General Insurance. The views expressed are his own. Send your queries to yourmoney@bsmail.in